Canadiens extend Martin St. Louis as expectations grow

The Montreal Canadiens have signed head coach Martin St. Louis to a multiyear contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 202930 season. The announcement came Monday at the club’s annual golf event in LavalsurleLac, Quebec, which is considered the unofficial start of the hockey season in Montreal. St. Louis was entering the final year of his previous deal. The extension follows a strong stretch for the Canadiens, who reached the Eastern Conference final last season after several years of rebuilding. St. Louis said he welcomed the team’s vote of confidence, while captain Nick Suzuki and general manager Kent Hughes credited him with helping reshape the club’s culture and development. The Canadiens also recently added winger Chris Kreider on a oneyear contract. Kreider said St. Louis was a major reason he chose Montreal, citing their previous time together with the New York Rangers. The team will open training camp Wednesday in Brossard before beginning its preseason schedule this weekend against the Toronto Maple Leafs.